A proposed single national heavy vehicle law to slash red tape and improve productivity and safety was released today by the National Transport Commission (NTC) and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Project (NHVR) Project Office for public consultation.

The proposed law will be administered by the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, expected to be operational by 1 January 2013 and will apply to all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes.

NTC Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos said current variation in laws and regulations across Australia cause confusion, frustration and additional costs to the heavy vehicle industry.

“The proposed law will streamline requirements for interstate operators and allow them to focus on growing their business and improving safety, not filling in forms.

“Our analysis has found 368 variations in heavy vehicle laws across Australia. While the majority of variations are minor technical issues, others concerning fatigue, vehicle standards and access are more significant.

“The release of the proposed law is a huge reform milestone for Australia, as it paves the way for a fairer system of law that will make it easier for the heavy vehicle industry to work across state and territory borders.

“It will also result in substantial savings with the cost benefit analysis estimating implementation of the new laws will deliver around $12.4 billion worth of savings over 20 years.”

NHVR Project Board Chair Menno Henneveld said a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will make the daily business of running a heavy vehicle between state and territory borders less confusing by offering a one-stop-shop.

“The NHVR will be charged with managing and improving a wide range of regulatory services such as registration, mass and loading, fatigue management, as well as compliance and enforcement,” Mr Henneveld said.

“Local productivity variations will also continue under the national regulator.”

The Draft Heavy Vehicle National Law Regulatory Impact Statement and Draft Heavy Vehicle National Law as well as details about making a submission are available on the NTC Website.

The NTC and NHVR Project Office will also soon embark on a series of public consultation forums throughout Australia including regional cities and towns during March and April.

“As with any major review of transport law, we are keen to hear from the people who will be most affected by these proposed changes,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

To register your interest in attending one of the forums, please call: 1800 404 400 or register online at www.emgevents.com/event/ntc/. The consultation period closes on 6 May 2011.